Three Bodies Recovered After Nilambur Flash Flood
Three Bodies Recovered After Nilambur Flash Flood
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Key Points
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The flash flood struck Kottappuzha at TK Colony in Pookkottumpadam at about 5 p.m. on Sunday, after a sudden rise in the river level.
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Hundreds of people had gathered at riverside locations including Kettungal, Aanakkundu and Balawadippadi near the Koyipra foothills because it was a holiday; popular sites also extended from Olarvattom Canal to T.K. Colony.
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Police said there was no rain in the immediate area when the flood occurred and suspected that heavy rain deep inside the forest triggered the sudden surge.
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The body of a man estimated to be about 50 years old was recovered from the river at Muttikkund in Pottikkallu and taken to the District Hospital; the latest recovered body, also a man’s, was later found near Antonikkad.
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The IMD forecast isolated heavy rainfall of up to 115.5 millimetres in 24 hours in the affected weather system, in addition to the district-level alerts.
Five people have died after a sudden flash flood swept through the Chokkad River near Nilambur in Kerala's Malappuram district on Sunday afternoon. New Indian Express reported that three bodies were recovered from the Kottappuzha River at T.K. Colony near Pookkottumpadam, where hundreds of tourists and locals had gathered at riverside spots during a holiday. Rescuers saved roughly 27 people, but one person remained missing as of the latest reports.
The flood struck around 5 p.m. without warning, with police suspecting that heavy rain deep inside nearby forests triggered the sudden surge. The Hindu reported that Onmanorama confirmed the death toll had risen to five as search operations continued. The India Meteorological Department issued orange alerts for Idukki and Kottayam districts due to forecasts of up to 115.5 millimeters of rainfall in 24 hours.
Hundreds Gathered at Popular Riverside Tourist Spots
The flood struck a holiday Sunday when large crowds packed riverside areas. Popular gathering spots included Kettungal, Aanakkundu, and Balawadippadi near the Koyipra foothills. The riverside stretched from Olarvattom Canal down to T.K. Colony in Pookkottumpadam. Most visitors had no warning of danger—the area seemed safe and dry moments before the water surged.
Rain Deep in Forests Triggered the Sudden Surge
Police found no rain falling in the immediate riverside area when the flood occurred. Telegraph India noted that officials suspected heavy rainfall deep inside nearby forests caused the river to rise suddenly. The Chokkad River's water level jumped with such force that it swept people away before anyone could escape. Scientists call this a "flash flood" because water rises and spreads within minutes.
Search Teams Recover Bodies Miles Downstream
The first body recovered was a man estimated to be about 50 years old, found at Muttikkund in Pottikkallu and taken to District Hospital. The Hindu Business Line reported that two more bodies were found during resumed search operations. The latest recovered body, also a man's, was discovered near Antonikkad, further downstream. Rescuers and local volunteers continue searching for the one remaining missing person.
Rescue Efforts Continue Amid Heavy Rain Alerts
Police, firefighters, volunteers, and residents launched immediate search-and-rescue operations. About 27 people were saved, while four others were spotted stranded on rocks and trees near an Anganwadi center. The India Meteorological Department issued yellow alerts for seven districts and orange alerts for Idukki and Kottayam. Heavy rainfall of up to 115.5 millimeters could fall within 24 hours, making rescue work more dangerous.
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